From August 8^th to the 12^th, Windsor-Essex will be celebrating Pride in full force! A new partnership with the Ottawa Street Business Improvement Association has moved Pride Fest events to Ottawa Street and Lanspeary Park. While this is the first time in nearly two decades that the parade hasn’t run through the downtown core, the weekend’s events will be similar to years past with a variety of family friendly activities and loads of entertainment.

The weekend celebration begins with the official flag raising at City Hall Square on August 8^th at 1pm. The ceremony will feature guest speaker Mayor Drew Dilkens along with the Windsor-Essex Pride Fest board of directors, local dignitaries, community leaders, allies, supporters and members of the LGBTIQ2S community. The days following are full of great activities including a panel discussion, family bowling, WIFF Pride Festival film screenings, the festival and parade on Ottawa Street and the Glitterball dance afterparty.

While it may be a jam-packed weekend, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest works hard to maintain a constant presence in the community beyond this five day celebration. They’re an incorporated not-for-profit organization in Ontario that’s governed by a volunteer board of directors and they work hard to bring together the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer, Questioning and Two Spirit community, their friends, allies and supporters in celebration of the unique culture and spirit of the community by providing advocacy, producing safe and inclusive events, initiatives and social programs. They host workshops, bike rides, games nights and more fun events on a regular basis to help keep the local community connected all year.

For a full list of festival events and to learn more about the Windsor-Essex Pride Festival, visit their website.